Does anyone bother to make theit own gaskets? I need gasket for water outlet elbow and thought it would be easy to make my own but never made one. Thought I would just go to Napa and buy material. Any sugestions?

Several of us make our own gaskets. It is much cheaper and saves time. The particular gasket you are speaking of is not very thick. Go ahead and buy several sheets of different thickness. I like having gasket material around rather than waiting two days on a special order, $2.00 gasket from the dealer.

"Never forget where it is you come from, or you may find yourself someplace you don't want to be"

Hi,
Can anyone tell me what dimension (inner, outer and thickness) the oil filter gasket is? Mine is crumbling and i need to make one soon. I have been buying the Fram filters and they dont come with one. Just thought of something.. has anyone ever scanned new gaskets with a scale? If so they could be printed life size and used as a template. Donny, what purpose does a ball peen hammer serve when making gaskets? I usually use a compass, scale and razor knife.
Thanks
John

John, I don't know the dimensions right off but to explain the ball peen hammer - when making gaskets, lay the gasket material on top of the surface you are gasketing. Then tap around the edge of the surface and the edge will cut through the gasket material making a perfect fit. The ball peen was good for tight places and for marking bolt holes etc.

BigdogIf you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.

Bigdog has it covered as far as normal gaskets go. The ball peen hammer is the way to go. But for the oil filter gasket I use .090 red rubber gasket material. I cut it with an exacto knife. Those fiber washers that come with the filter seem to have problems leaking. The dimensions for the filter gasket are 3.375" OD x 2.750" ID. (I can't help it )

Little trick I have used to make gaskets, (besides using the ball peen). I needed and oil pan gasket and didn't like the paper one that was in the kit so I layed the old gasket over a piece of cork, sprayed over it with black paint.....that gave a perfect outline with bolt holes and all....just cut out the "black" parts, (used scissors), punch the holes, (.32 cal case). Fits perfect.

Most times that I need a gasket is 3:30 on a sunday or 10:00 pm any day of the week. I ordered a set of the punches John showed. I will retire a bunch of shade tree mechanic punches I made from time to time.
Bill

Bill

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